Israeli Army Faces Mental Health Crisis as Soldier Suicides Rise

Tel Aviv, Nov 22, 2024 – At least six Israeli soldiers have died by suicide in recent months, with the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon believed to be the main cause of their distress, reports the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth. The actual number may be higher, as the Israeli military has not yet released official suicide figures.

The report also highlights a growing mental health crisis within the Israeli army. Thousands of soldiers have sought help from military psychologists or mental health clinics, with about one-third of them showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The number of soldiers dealing with mental health issues is now believed to be higher than those with physical injuries from the war.

This crisis has raised concerns about the well-being of soldiers and calls for better support and mental health resources in the military.